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By Fausto De Quarto
Lady Gaby is not just a boat.
She’s a second chance.
She’s made of wood, wind, and memory.
She is a life project — one of restoration, of healing, and of sharing.
This is a story about bringing back to life a historic vessel, but also about giving new meaning to the sea — making it a space of inclusion, education, sustainability, and human connection.
A Restoration That Means Renewal
Built in 1977, Lady Gaby is a one-of-a-kind Gallian 13 designed by Serge Gallian on a Herbulot hull. Over the years, she was transformed by my grandfather — a naval expert and sea captain — who, ahead of his time, integrated ideas that would later become modern standards in naval architecture.
She’s the boat where I spent my childhood summers with him.
When he passed away, Lady Gaby was abandoned and eventually sold.
Years later, I managed to buy her back. And for the past year and a half, I’ve been restoring her with my own hands, piece by piece.
It’s my way of returning the love I once received — passing it on, through the sea, to anyone in search of a new direction.
Our Mission
Bring Lady Gaby back to sea – with your support. This is a powerful symbol of rebirth — not only for a boat, but for all of us who seek healing and resilience.
Create year-round inclusive programs – aboard and ashore.
Provide hands-on nautical and professional training – for young people, students, and those in vulnerable situations.
Promote sustainable choices – in the boating world and beyond.
Document the journey – from shipyard to open waters, to inspire and raise awareness.
Self-finance the project – through charters and micro-cruises.
A Floating Space for Change
Lady Gaby is becoming a space for inclusion, learning, and well-being. A place where the sea and the wood can teach, heal, and empower.
Therapeutic sailing – for mental and physical well-being
Training for young people – especially those seeking a new path
Educational workshops – on boat maintenance, sailing, and life at sea
Programs for maritime students – both onboard and in the yard
Paths to autonomy – learning to make choices, to trust, to grow
Collaborations – with schools, associations, educators, and social services
Lady Gaby gives a chance to those who never had one.
To those left out.
To those who could never afford the sea.
Because the sea belongs to everyone.
And dignity, beauty, and opportunity should never be a privilege.
My Story
I studied at a Nautical Institute for three years, and later graduated in Social Community Management.
Lady Gaby is where those two paths finally meet — the love for the sea, and a deep commitment to people.
Sailing Green
Restoring Lady Gaby is also a radical environmental choice:
She’s made of wood – restored, not scrapped
She sails – with no need for polluting fuels
We use long-lasting, eco-friendly materials – such as certified marine plywood and 10/10 epoxy
Every product – from varnish to fittings – is selected with care
The core philosophy is reuse, respect, renew
There is nothing more sustainable than a wooden sailboat coming back to life.
It’s the sea taking care of the sea.
Inspired by Great Journeys
Our vision draws from two powerful references:
The Amerigo Vespucci – the legendary tall ship of the Italian Navy, now circumnavigating the globe with young cadets in a transformative educational voyage.
The film “Sottovento!” by Claudio Amendola – a story where sailing becomes therapy and teamwork becomes a tool for growth.
Lady Gaby wants to tell her own story — from the shipyard to the horizon — showing that any boat, like any person, can sail again.
Open to All
This is a project that thrives on collaboration.
Schools, foundations, associations, artisans, sailors, artists, and dreamers — you’re all welcome.
Visit us in the shipyard.
Reach out with ideas, support, or just curiosity.
Every connection makes this journey more real.
Contact:
Fausto De Quarto
msladygaby@gmail.com
Based in Fiumicino, Italy
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